Microstructure and properties of MoSi2–MoB and MoSi2–Mo5Si3 molybdenum silicides

MoSi2-based intermetallics containing different volume fractions of MoB or Mo5Si3 were fabricated by hot-pressing MoSi2, MoB, and Mo5Si3 powders in vacuum. Both classes of alloys contained approximately 5 vol.% of dispersed silica phase. Additions of MoB or Mo5Si3 caused the average grain size to decrease. The decrease in the grain size was typically accompanied by an increase in flexure strength, a decrease in the room temperature fracture toughness, and a decrease in the hot strength (compressive creep strength) measured around 1200 °C, except when the Mo5Si3 effectively became the major phase. Oxidation measurements on the two classes of alloys were carried out in air. Both classes of alloys were protected from oxidation by an in-situ adherent scale that formed on exposure to high temperature. The scale, although not analyzed in detail, is commonly recognized in MoSi2 containing materials as consisting mostly of SiO2. The MoB containing materials showed an increase in the scale thickness and the cyclic oxidation rate at 1400 °C when compared with pure MoSi2. However, in contrast with the pure MoSi2 material, oxidation at 1400 °C began with a weight loss followed by a weight gain and the formation of the protective silica layer. The Mo5Si3 containing materials experienced substantial initial weight losses followed by regions of small weight changes. Overall, the MoB and Mo5Si3 additions to MoSi2 tended to be detrimental for the mechanical and oxidative properties.